Rumor: Apple's 4-inch iPhone event pushed back a week, to March 22

Apple is widely expected to unveil both a new 4-inch iPhone and new 9.7-inch iPad at a media event next month, but a new report claims the keynote presentation may have been delayed by a week, until Tuesday, March 22.

Citing an unnamed source, South Korean website UnderKG reported this week that Apple employees have been asked to keep the days around March 22 free, presumably for an upcoming event. If true, that would be seven days later than was previously rumored.

The site in question doesn't have an extensive list of breaking Apple news, but in 2014 it did get its hands on both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus prior to their public release. The new rumor was first discovered byMacotakara.

Production of the next-gen 4-inch iPhone is said to be underway ahead of an anticipated March announcement. The device is said to boast a metal-backed, curved-edge design similar to the current iPhone 6s with refreshed internals like an A9 processor and NFC support for Apple Pay. Rumored names include "iPhone 6c" and "iPhone 5se."

This week, newly leaked schematics suggested the new iPhone model will feature an aesthetic nearly identical to the company's existing high-end iPhones, a design that debuted in 2014 with the iPhone 6.

Also expected at the March event is a revamped 9.7-inch iPad. While reports had previously referred to such a device as an "iPad Air 3," a new rumor published this week alleged that Apple might rebrand it with the iPad Pro moniker found on the 12.9-inch model.

Distinguishing the new 9.7-inch model as professional grade would be the same beefed-up A9X processor, the magnetic Smart Connector, and a four-speaker array.

Apple's anticipated event is also expected to see new bands debut for the wearable Apple Watch. The company also has new MacBooks in the works that could launch at such a media event.

I'd love to think it's being pushed back because the company is seeing string sales so far this quarter and therefore doesn't feel the need of any orders for these new products in the current quarter, but I think damonf has it correct. If employees are being asked to be available (not on leave) on the 22nd, then this still speaks to a week earlier announcement, with in-store availability a week after the announcement, which is usual for Apple's smaller product releases.

I REALLY hope it looks nothing like the 6. I thought it was going to look like the 5? I was really hoping to a return to a classy form factor. I would much rather they went with plastic like the 5c, than the 6,

I REALLY hope it looks nothing like the 6. I thought it was going to look like the 5? I was really hoping to a return to a classy form factor. I would much rather they went with plastic like the 5c, than the 6,

If the allegidlly released schematics are real it resembles the 5 much more than the 6. I don't know why they keep on saying on this site that it looks like the 6...it doesn't! Even 9to5Mac says it looks more like the 5.

I'd love to think it's being pushed back because the company is seeing string sales so far this quarter and therefore doesn't feel the need of any orders for these new products in the current quarter, but I think damonf has it correct. If employees are being asked to be available (not on leave) on the 22nd, then this still speaks to a week earlier announcement, with in-store availability a week after the announcement, which is usual for Apple's smaller product releases.

Thanks radarthekat. 2 other problems I had with this story:

1. Apple wouldn't need to delay a Keynote if a product had a delay, they'd just put that particular product out on pre-order.

2. One of the sources (if he's not the sole source) of the March 15 keynote date still referred to that date in a new post on his site today. I'll take his date coming from his sources over any South Korean website's.

I'd love to think it's being pushed back because the company is seeing string sales so far this quarter and therefore doesn't feel the need of any orders for these new products in the current quarter, but I think damonf has it correct. If employees are being asked to be available (not on leave) on the 22nd, then this still speaks to a week earlier announcement, with in-store availability a week after the announcement, which is usual for Apple's smaller product releases.

Thanks radarthekat. 2 other problems I had with this story:

1. Apple wouldn't need to delay a Keynote if a product had a delay, they'd just put that particular product out on pre-order.

2. One of the sources (if he's not the sole source) of the March 15 keynote date still referred to that date in a new post on his site today. I'll take his date coming from his sources over any South Korean website's.

Daring Fireball has suggestions it might be be related to the appeal in the FBI backdoor case which is due to take place the 22nd. Gives Apple a stage to make any public statement they like while showing off some nice things and make sure they get some control of the story line.

I guess Apple is testing out the new code so that entering DFU mode wipes the phone

Then how to back date that codes to iOS 8 maybe even 7 depending on the size of the installed base.Ship that update prior to the appeal judgement so if they are forced to comply the solution they send to the FBI will be useless on any updated phone when it leaks.